pork prices

There isn’t much good news for meat eaters this year. Beef prices are at all time highs, and they are expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future. The solution to this would usually be to move to another meat source such as pork, but pork prices are also at all time highs, and it appears those prices may get worse.

Pork prices are already at an all-time high at $4.10 per pound, but the odds are these prices will climb higher by the end of the year. The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) is currently taking a short hiatus with the warmer summer time weather, but US veterinarians are predicting there will be further outbreaks once autumn arrives, and the weather begins to get colder. If their predictions are correct, pig farmers in the US may have to put down another 2.5 million pigs over the next 12 months, in addition to the 8 million they have already had to kill since the virus first broke out in in April, 2013. A resurgence of PEDv in the fall would create a situation where pork prices will hit more all-time highs.

While the USDA approved a vaccine created by the Iowa-based company Harrisvaccines this past week, the effectiveness of the vaccine in cold weather is quite uncertain. The worry is with colder weather, the virus could overwhelm the immunity of the herd, thereby creating an outbreak even among those pig herds which have been immunized. PEDv spreads rapidly in damp and cold conditions, so it has slowed as summer has arrived. However, it’s expected to come back with a vengeance once the colder weather arrives.

PEDv has already killed an estimated 10% of the US pork herd, the main reason for the current high pork prices. If the virus continues to spread as autumn arrives, pork prices could rise to above $4.50 a pound, and even higher depending on how devastating it is to herds. It would also mean millions of dollars of losses to pig farmers, and further jeopardize international trade. China, Japan and Russia, all countries which import US pork, have restricted imports of live US pigs due to the virus.

The National Pork Board wants more research to be done to study and better understand immunity and transmission of the disease in an effort to prevent the virus from making the strong autumn comeback many are predicting. The USDA is taking the situation seriously by requiring farmers to report all new cases of PEDv, as well as allotting $26 million to help fight any outbreaks.

The USDA says the virus does not pose a threat to humans or other animals. It also doesn’t pose any risk to food safety, and the pork on grocery shelves, although pricey, is safe to eat.

It’s going to be an expensive grilling season. Beef prices have risen to their highest level in more than 27 years, and it doesn’t appear that there is going to be much relief in the near future.

The rising prices can be attributed to smaller herds, which are the smallest in the US since 1951, and growing export demand from countries like China and Japan. The average price for a pound of fresh beef reached $5.28 per pound in February. That price is almost a quarter more than it was the previous month, and the highest price for beef since 1987.

There is no immediate sign that prices will decline in the near future. Many ranchers have decreased the number of head in their herds due to drought and high feed prices. It will take several years for these ranchers to increase their herds, and beef prices will remain high until they are able to do so.

For those hoping to save money when barbecuing by switching to other meats, they may not find the savings that they hope to. Pork prices have also increased due to a virus I break that has killed millions of piglets. Chicken prices are also on the rise. Chicken came in at $1.95 per pound in February, the highest price since October 2013.

What does this all mean for those who are getting ready for the barbecue season? They’re going to have to use a bit of creativity, and look for savings wherever they can, in order to grill without breaking their budget. Here are a few ways that you can save money as the grilling season starts.

Grill More Vegetables

With the prices as high as they are, make sure to grab large quantities of vegetables to place beside the meat that you will be grilling. Vegetable prices aren’t expected to be as high as meat prices, and these can help supplement the food that you are grilling during the summer months. Some great vegetables to grill are asparagus, corn, onions, zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes and eggplant.

Meat Coupons

Many people don’t realize this, but there are grocery store coupons for meat. You just need to know where to find them. Most meat coupons are found on other barbecue items. For example, if you are buying charcoal for your grill, there might be a coupon for a couple dollars off of meat if you buy several bags. Another popular place to find meat coupons is in conjunction with beer or other alcohol. By looking for coupons for meat on other things that you will need during the grilling season, you may be able to reduce the cost of the meat that you do buy.

Avoid Prepared Meats

Avoid meats that have already been partially prepared. Pre-made hamburger patties are drastically more expensive than ground beef. Meats that have already been marinated will be more expensive than the same cuts that haven’t. Purchasing your meats without any extras will keep the price of them down.

Avoid BBQ Kits

Another way to save money is to avoid buying BBQ kits. There are plenty of kits out there for your grill or your food, but many of these kits are a waste of money. They provide expensive rubs or spices you could make at home, or they contain tools and gadgets that you don’t really need.

Make Your Own Rubs and Sauces

Grocery stores love trying to market their premium rubs and sauces when barbecue season rolls around. Many of these rubs and sauces are made from items that most people can find in their own kitchens. Instead of wasting $5 on a bottle of sauce, try making your own sauces or rubs for your meats. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to make, search for recipes online. There are more than enough of them, so you’ll probably be able to find something you like.